Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 – Remote Tech Policy Fellowship for Students and Graduates
The Summer 2026 cohort of the Paragon Policy Fellowship is now open for applications, offering university students and recent graduates a unique opportunity to work on real-world public interest technology and policy projects.
This fully remote, unpaid fellowship provides hands-on experience in shaping technology policy solutions for state and local governments across the United States.
About the Paragon Policy Fellowship
The Paragon Policy Fellowship is a structured, project-based programme designed to introduce emerging leaders to the field of technology policy and civic innovation. Fellows collaborate with government partners to research key issues and develop actionable policy recommendations.
Participants typically spend 8–10 hours per week working on team-based projects that address real governance challenges, particularly in areas such as AI governance, cybersecurity, broadband access, digital services, and research and development policy.
Programme Structure
Fellows are placed into small teams of 5–7 members, each guided by a Project Lead and supported by professional staff coordinators. Every team is assigned a real government partner and tasked with producing high-quality policy deliverables.
Key outputs include:
- Literature reviews
- Stakeholder and demographic analysis
- Midpoint and final presentations
- Policy briefs and research reports
All work is conducted remotely, with some scheduled virtual meetings to support collaboration and progress tracking.
Learning and Skill Development
The fellowship is designed to build both technical and professional skills in policy analysis and civic innovation. Participants benefit from structured training sessions, including:
Policy Bootcamps
Introductory sessions covering policy writing, research methods, and community-centered design.
Policy Workshops
Five targeted workshops focusing on:
- Stakeholder analysis
- Presentation skills
- Policy evaluation
- Final deliverable development
Project Roundtables
Collaborative sessions where fellows exchange ideas, share feedback, and refine their work across teams.
Career Growth Opportunities
In addition to technical training, the fellowship provides strong career development support. Participants gain access to:
- Speaker series featuring experts from government, academia, and industry
- Networking events (virtual and in-person)
- Mentorship opportunities with professionals in technology policy
- Alumni programmes including media features, publications, and op-ed writing opportunities
These experiences help fellows build strong professional networks and gain exposure to policy careers.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in a university degree programme or have graduated within the past year
- Reside in and be authorized to work in the United States
- Commit 8–10 hours per week to fellowship activities
- Have an interest in technology policy and civic innovation (no prior experience required)
Graduate students, law students, PhD candidates, and advanced undergraduates are encouraged to apply. International students may be eligible depending on work authorization status.
Project Lead Opportunities
In addition to general fellows, the programme also accepts applications for Project Lead roles. These positions are typically filled by graduate or PhD students, though highly experienced undergraduates may also be considered.
Project Leads are responsible for coordinating team activities, managing communication with government partners, and ensuring project goals are met.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 30 April 2026 at 8:59 PM PT / 11:59 PM ET
- Fellowship duration: 27 May – 21 August 2026
Late applications will not be considered, so early submission is strongly recommended.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Paragon Policy Fellowship provides a rare opportunity for students to work directly on public policy challenges that impact real communities. Unlike traditional internships, participants contribute to tangible deliverables used by government stakeholders.
It is particularly valuable for students interested in:
- Technology policy
- Public administration
- Data governance
- Civic innovation
- AI and digital regulation
Final Thoughts
For students and recent graduates looking to break into public policy or technology governance, the Summer 2026 Paragon Policy Fellowship offers meaningful, real-world experience in a fast-growing field.
With structured training, mentorship, and hands-on project work, it serves as a strong stepping stone into careers in policy, government, and civic technology.
Applicants should prepare early and submit their applications before the April 30 deadline to be considered.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
